Is Carlsbad/Oceanside boarder safe? (San Diego, Orange: condos, townhouse, safe area)

[LikeToTravel36]

Hi, My husband and I are considering buying a townhouse at Agave at the Preserve which is located at the site of the old quarry in Northern Carlsbad. While it's technically in Carlsbad, it's right next to the boarder of Oceanside, south of the 78 and east of the 5. We checked out the area last weekend and it looks great and backs to a preserve but we're a little nervous since we keep reading on this forum that Oceanside is not safe and has a bad gang problem and we're nervous to be adjacent to that since we have a toddler. We currently live in south Orange County so we don't know too much about the different areas of San Diego county and just want to make sure this area is safe before considering buying. Advice from anyone who knows this area would be appreciated. Thanks!

[1AngryTaxPayer]

I don't think that area borders any gang hoods. If I remember correctly that's N of the lagoon right?

[LuvSouthOC]

I know it well, it was a quarry. No it's east of that lagoon and it's by Tri City; plenty of gangs up College. It's also a 100 year flood zone. It's ok. There are much worse places.

[LikeToTravel36]

Thank you for your replies. They are charging around $550k for a new build 3 bed townhouse about 1,450 sq feet. Does that seem reasonable for this area or are their better places we should be looking at in San Diego in that price range? We are fine with a townhouse and only chose that area since it's in the Carlsbad school district and we mostly care about living in a safe area with good elementary/middle schools.

[LuvSouthOC]

Originally Posted by LikeToTravel36

Thank you for your replies. They are charging around $550k for a new build 3 bed townhouse about 1,450 sq feet. Does that seem reasonable for this area or are their better places we should be looking at in San Diego in that price range? We are fine with a townhouse and only chose that area since it's in the Carlsbad school district and we mostly care about living in a safe area with good elementary/middle schools.

I have an acquaintance who bought a house in Vista (right by Oceanside in the Guajome Park area) for that price. Personally, I would not recommend paying that much for those townhomes. It is near shopping, by the freeway, and not too far from the ocean or 5 (whereas the others lack these advantages). However, again, I would not recommend paying 550 for those especially when you can find some SFRs that might work for you -- they won't be new, however.

[scgali]

For your price range I would recommend looking at the South Carlsbad La Costa area. You won't find brand new but the location is better. You will then be bordering Encinitas. There are many nice condos in that area.

[mauialoha]

yeah I agree with the prevailing opinion. Its not that great an area IMO kinda barren with a lot of construction going on and a very busy inersection with 78.

It will probably look nicer in a few years but it would be too busy an area for me.
I just did a quick search and I do see some 3 bedrooms down here but most are not in Carlsbad school district. Tip: If you look at condos off of La Costa Ave on the south side of the golf course, they are in Encinitas school district (Carlsbad mailing address). That's where my kids went to school. I'm not sure of any 3 bedrooms though but there may be some
Dave

[RosieSD]

Originally Posted by mauialoha

yeah I agree with the prevailing opinion. Its not that great an area IMO kinda barren with a lot of construction going on and a very busy inersection with 78.

It will probably look nicer in a few years but it would be too busy an area for me.
I just did a quick search and I do see some 3 bedrooms down here but most are not in Carlsbad school district. Tip: If you look at condos off of La Costa Ave on the south side of the golf course, they are in Encinitas school district (Carlsbad mailing address). That's where my kids went to school. I'm not sure of any 3 bedrooms though but there may be some
Dave

Just want to add: Being in the Encinitas school district instead of the Carlsbad district would be a pretty even trade.

However, being in the Oceanside or Vista school district instead of Carlsbad might not be such an even trade, depending on the specific schools assigned.

[mauialoha]

Originally Posted by RosieSD

Just want to add: Being in the Encinitas school district instead of the Carlsbad district would be a pretty even trade.

However, being in the Oceanside or Vista school district instead of Carlsbad might not be such an even trade, depending on the specific schools assigned.

yes agree. Actually the condos just on the other side of the golf course from me are in San Marcos school district though they too are in Carlsbad.

We chose the area we did because our kids were already in Encinitas district. There are a few condos/townhomes in La Costa that are in Carlsbad schools the ones very close to El Camino Real.
Dave

[LikeToTravel36]

Thank you all for your advice! We'll take a look at the southern Carlsbad area.